Ebola in Uganda: November 30 - December 17, 2007

Treyfish · Dec 11, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

9:20 a.m. December 10, 2007 Ebola death toll rises to 29 in Uganda, health officials say

KAMPALA, Uganda ? The death toll from a new strain of the Ebola virus in Uganda has risen to 29, and the government was warning against shaking hands and other close contact, health officials said Monday. The death toll was expected to keep rising, said Dr. Sam Zaramba, director general of Uganda's health services. ?We expect to see a moderate rise in new cases and deaths,? Zaramba said. ?But this strain of Ebola seems less virulent than ones we have seen in the past so we are encouraged and think we are on top of the situation.?

Ebola typically kills most of those it strikes and has no cure or treatment. It is spread through direct contact with the blood or secretions of an infected person, or objects that have been contaminated with infected secretions.
Experts say the Ebola subtype that sparked the outbreak is new. Though the outbreak began in August, the killer disease was not diagnosed until late November as the classic Ebola symptoms were not always present.
According to ministry officials, all cases of the disease are so far confined to Bundibugyo ? a remote district close to the Congo border some 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the capital, Kampala.
But rumors that the disease is spreading have sparked panic in Uganda.
?There are lots of rumors circulating and we are carefully monitoring any reports of suspicious illnesses,? said Paul Kaggwa, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health. ?We advise cautious behavior such as regular hand washing and not shaking hands in greeting, but there really is no need for fear.?

In Bundibugyo, many hotels have closed, public pay phones are not being used and bank tellers are wearing gloves for fear of contracting the disease. Local health workers report that people believed to have come in contact with Ebola patients are being ostracized, some even evicted from their homes. :tiphat: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20071210-0920-uganda-ebola.html

HenryN · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Ebola outbreak in Uganda: National Task Force situation report no. 6 - as at 10.00 hrs; 11 Dec 2007



Seen and cleared by Dr. Sam Okware/Chairman/NTF & Dr Melville George, WR/Uganda/Co chair/NTF
1. Situation in the Field:
The Total cumulative cases were 115, with 29 cumulative deaths (Case Fatality Rate of 25.2%)
A total of 298 out of 368 contacts (81%) have been followed up. This is showing an improvement in contact follow up from 51% in the previous day.
2. Laboratory and Surveillance:
10 laboratory samples (2 from Kikyo HC IV and 8 from Bundibugyo) were collected. In all 17 samples (including ones collected in the last two days) were shipped to the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe.
17 samples that were previously sent to UVRI in Entebbe, 11 were from Bundibugyo and 9 of them were positive.
The good news is that all Samples from other districts (except the sample of the doctor from Bundibugyo who died in Mulago) were all negative.
3. Case Management and Infection Control:
There was one new admission in Kikyo HC and 2 new admissions yesterday bringing the total admissions to 29 (12 patients in Kikyo and 17 in Bundibugyo Hospital).
Total number of discharges was 5, (1 in Kikyo and 4 in Bundibugyo). There are 3 critically ill patients reported.
There are adequate supplies in Both Kikyo and Bundibugyo and there is now light in the isolation of Bundibugyo hospital. There are now 3 nurses for night duty in Bundibugyo and 2 on call.
4. Coordination ? Collaboration:
LC5 chairman sent a circular to all LC3s to participate in community mobilization on Ebola prevention and control
A partner offered land for burial grounds near the airfield in case the district fails to identify a suitable site.
NTF held a meeting today and health development partners also met and WHO presented the proposal on Ebola response.
One of the positive developments is that Uganda Medical workers Union attended the meeting of the NTF for the first time.
5. Logistics:
The Uganda Red Cross Society contributed 67 million Uganda Shillings towards social mobilization, surveillance and non food items for the affected families
Save the Children has donated 2000 bottles of JIK, 3000 tablets of dettol soap
USAID is offering 1000 kits of PPEs. Unicef is purchasing 100 kits of PPEs.
6. Social mobilization, media and psycho social support:
The district leadership is intensifying social mobilization activities to overcome fear and stigma that are emerging from communities
Information dissemination is going on through radios, IEC materials and other channels.
7. Travel advice:
There is no travel restriction to the affected district or Western Uganda in general as this disease is transmitted through direct contact with an Ebola patient or contact with body fluids from an infected person.
8. Challenges: Counseling is doing well with a person who had refused admission finally accepting admission. One person in Bundibugyo town council who refused admission is being counseled.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/LSGZ-79TDW9?OpenDocument

HenryN · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Uganda: Ebola outbreak press statement, 11 Dec 2007



The Ministry of Health wishes to update the general public regarding the Ebola situation in the country. The new report as of 11th December 2007 reveals that the cumulative total is 116 cases and 30 deaths.
In Bundibugyo District, 12 people are currently admitted in Kikyo Health Centre and 17 in Bundibugyo Hospital. On a positive note 5 people who were admitted have been discharged. Of the five, 4 were in Bundibugyo Hospital and 1 in Kikyo Isolation Unit.
The Laboratory for diagnosing Ebola at UVRI Entebbe is now fully functional. They have so far analyzed 50 samples. All the samples of the ALERT cases from the districts of Kanungu, Mbarara, Kasese, Kabarole, Mbale, Masaka, Gulu, Adjumani are all negative. As we speak now, 60% of the cases in Bundibugyo are positive and the rest are negative and we are being followed up.
We have had a number of ALERT cases in Central and Western Region and all these have been followed up and most of them clinically were not Ebola. The Ministry of Health with the assistance of Police and districts will continue to attend to all the ALERT cases.
The public is advised to contact the following numbers;
Police Mobile 111 or 999 Police control room
Ministry of Health, 0772 587567, 0414 345108
And we request the public to be patient and understanding.
Following the Director General?s visit to Bundibugyo last week, the Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Steven Mallinga has led another high powered delegation of Ministry of Health officials and Development Partners to further evaluate the situation in Bundibugyo and Kabarole to encourage teams on the ground and review any other problems since the epidemic started. The Ministry of Health is finalizing plans to provide protective gear and operational funds to the rest of the country in addition to those already supported.
The Ministry of Health would like to remind all District Health Officers and the In charges of Health Units to be on the alert and immediately report any suspected cases. Similarly, the public is reminded to report to Health Facilities any persons who present with the following symptoms: Very high fever of sudden onset, diarrhoea, vomiting associated with red eyes and a measles-like rash. Ebola is spread by close contact with body fluids of infected persons or people who have died of Ebola. Anybody handling suspected cases must use appropriate protective wear. The public will be informed of any new developments and is urged to be vigilant but not to cause unnecessary panic.
The Ministry of Health is implementing the following to contain the situation;
- National Ebola Task Force has been constituted and meets daily to coordinate activities at National level. Similar structures with same function have been formed in the districts.
- Central Alert Rapid Response Team has been constituted to respond urgently to alert cases nationwide. A standby helicopter to ensure quick movement has been availed from UPDF.
- A diagnostic laboratory has been established at UVRI to provide quick diagnosis (launching will be today at 2.00 p.m.) Diagnosis within 24 hours.
- Ebola treatment units have been established to manage cases at Bundibugyo Hospital and Kityo Health Centre.
- The isolation unit in Mulago hospital has been set aside to handle any suspected cases in Kampala district.
- Surveillance is going on in affected district and others at risk. Contact tracing and follow up is ongoing in affected district.
- Addition logistics are being procured and supplied to the district.
- Social mobilisation is being strengthened through radio, IEC, film vans, press and meetings. Hon. Dr. Otaala Emmanuel
MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH (PHC)

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/LSGZ-79TDRX?OpenDocument

HenryN · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Commentary at

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12120703/Ebola_Super_Another.html

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Beni: fear of spread of the Ebola virus
North | December 12, 2007 at 10:47:06

Commercial activities have been suspended since Monday to market Kasindi, Beni area, northeast of Goma, to the Ugandan border. It is, for the health authority, to prevent a potential spread of the Ebola virus, which was declared in Uganda, reported radiookapi.net

According to the chairman of the FEC (F?d?ration des Entreprises du Congo) Butembo, Polycarp Ndivito, this decision will have immediate impact on the supply of food crops, and prices. According to him, a majority of people in the region are living through trade conducted market Kasindi. These people share including products from Oicha, Beni, Mangini, or Butembo. "No contract, no exchange. Without trade, products become scarce and prices increase. We must, therefore, that health experts are looking to resolve this issue quickly, "said the chairman of the FEC Butembo.

For its part, the health authority in North Kivu is eager to keep these measures until the outbreak of the Ebola virus is under control.:tiphat: http://www.radiookapi.net/index.php?i=53&a=15945

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 December 2007, 03:00 CST
No Ebola in Southern Sudan - Health Official

Text of report in English by independent, Nairobi-based, USAID- funded Sudan Radio Service on 12 December
The Government of Southern Sudan is well prepared for any outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever such as the one that has claimed over twenty lives in Western Uganda.
That from the Director General for Communicable Diseases in the Ministry of Health, Dr John Rumunu, speaking to Sudan Radio Service by phone from Juba on Tuesday [11 December].
Mr Rumunu said that they are preparing health workers to be able to identify Ebola hemorrhagic fever cases and treat them.
Dr Rumunu said that if anyone notices any signs of fever or bleeding in a person, he or she should report to the nearest health facility immediately for assistance.
[Rumunu] "What we want to tell the public is that there is no Ebola in southern Sudan. People should not panic; all measures are trying to be put in place in the health facilities. The symptoms are usually fever, and then with bleeding tendency, and so anybody who is having fever and bleeding we should not touch the blood but we should take the patient to the nearest health facility and then the health workers will do the necessary. If proved to be Ebola, then we take charge of the burial to minimize contact with the corpse."
Dr Rumunu further said that the Ministry of Health in the Government of Southern Sudan is preparing infection control materials to be sent to all the facilities which are close to Uganda.
He urged people who may have lost their dear ones, especially to ebola, to avoid the tradition of throwing themselves on the corpse, which may lead to contracting the disease.
Originally published by Sudan Radio Service, Nairobi, in English 0718 12 Dec 07. :tiphat: http://www.redorbit.com/news/health...n__health_official/index.html?source=r_health

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="95%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]UGANDA 12/12/2007 15.17 [/FONT]</TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2 height=25>[FONT=Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif]EBOLA: NEW PREVENTION MEASURES, ALSO IN NEARBY DR-CONGO[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>

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</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>[FONT=Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif]According to the latest information released by the Health Minister, Emmanuel Otaala, the official toll has risen to 30 dead and 116 suspected cases in the Ebola outbreak underway since August in the western district of Bundibugyo, along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, but only confirmed last month. ?It appears that the Ebola spread toll is beginning to slow down?, writes Kampala?s independent Daily Monitor, citing yesterday?s update from the Health ministry: of the 12 people admitted at Kikyo Health Centre and 17 in Bundibugyo Hospital, five were discharged after their tests resulted negative; 50 samples analysed at the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe from eight Ugandan districts also resulted negative. The alarm however remains high: the Kampala City Council has put in place several measures, including the spraying of buses en route from western Uganda to the capital before departure and on arrival, in a bid to curb the spread of the Ebola virus. Authorities in the capital also closed or limited access to some usually busy areas, such as short-cuts and allies used by people to go to work, to avoid close contact. Meanwhile, in neighbouring DR-Congo, activities were suspended at the Kasindi market in North Kivu to prevent the eventual spread of Ebola from the Ugandan border. According to the president of the Fed business Federation of Congo, Polycarpe Ndivito, the measure will have immediate repercussions on food and basic necessity provisions and prices.
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:tiphat: http://www.misna.org/news.asp?IDLingua=1&id=201368

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

<TABLE class=lan18 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="97%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=hei22 vAlign=bottom height=25>English Premier League trophy's Ugandan tour postponed for Ebola
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KAMPALA, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan fans will have to wait a little longer before they get a feel of the biggest prize in English sport, the Premiership football trophy, due to the lately Ebola outbreak in the East African country.
The trophy was due in Kampala this week alongside legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, one of the world's greatest goalkeepers of his generation.
Barclays Bank released a statement confirming the cancellation on Tuesday, saying that Schmeichel and the trophy will not come as "a result of the recently confirmed reports of an outbreak of the Ebola disease in Uganda."
Schmeichel was originally expected to watch the Liverpool-Manchester United and Arsenal-Chelsea matches on Dec. 16 with multitudes of fans at a gala at Namboole National Stadium during the Barclays sponsored tour.
"As a responsible corporate institution, Barclays Bank believes the planned activities around the Trophy would go against the countrywide recommended measures being taken to contain the spread of the virus," read the statement.
So far a total of 30 people have been killed by Ebola out of 116 infections as of Tuesday morning in Uganda, according to Otaala Emmanuel, the state minister for health. This is the second Ebola outbreak in Uganda, which is caused by a new strain of the virus seemingly milder than the other four strains. The last outbreak in Uganda killed 224 people from October 2000to March 2001, which started in northern Uganda and later spread into other parts of the country.:tiphat:

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http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/12/content_7236036.htm

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Uganda: 7 Districts Get Ebola All-Clear:magnify:

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The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
12 December 2007
Posted to the web 12 December 2007
Tabu Butagira
Kampala
The Ministry of Health has announced that blood samples taken from suspected Ebola patients in seven districts of central, eastern and northern Uganda have tested negative for the virus.
"(Blood) Samples which were taken from the districts of Gulu, Kanungu, Mbale and Masaka were negative, meaning that these (deceased) people did not have Ebola," Dr Sam Zaramba, the director general of health services said in a statement yesterday. Samples from Adjumani, Mubende and Kasese also tested negative.
This followed laboratory diagnosis at the newly installed Ebola-testing machine at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) - that began working on Sunday.
The statement grants relief to nervous residents in the four districts, which government put on Ebola alert last week. In eastern Uganda, the Medical Superintendent of Mbale Hospital, Dr Vincent Ojoome, told a press conference that tests done on suspected Ebola patients including the late Olive Mukite, the former Sironko information officer were negative meaning that there are no proven cases of Ebola in the region. Dr Zaramba said by yesterday, the death toll from the disease had risen to 29 out of 113 suspected infections.
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"The public is urged to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings especially in the districts surrounding Bundibugyo (like) Hoima, Kibaale, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Ibanda, Bushenyi and Mbarara," Dr Zaramba said. By press time, at least a total of 32 Ebola patients were reported to be admitted at both Kikyo Health Centre IV and Bundibugyo Hospital.
On a positive note, said Dr Zaramba, "six people who were admitted have been discharged. Of the six, three were in Bundibugyo Hospital and three in Kikyo Isolation Unit," he said. In Kasese, churches and mosques in the town centre remained largely empty at the weekend as frightened worshippers skipped prayers over fears of contracting Ebola.
Daily Monitor on Friday and Sunday, found an unusually low turn up of the faithful at Kasese Main mosque, Seventh Day Adventists Church, Church of Uganda (South Rwenzori Diocese) Cathedral and the Catholic cathedral in Kasese town. The few worshippers - in both the mosque and the churches - sat at reasonable distance from one another.:tiphat: http://allafrica.com/stories/200712120748.html

HenryN · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Deadly Ebola kills two more people in western Uganda



KAMPALA, Dec 12, 2007 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Another two people were killed by the deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Uganda, bringing the cumulative total deaths to 32 since the epidemic broke out in August, a release from the Health Ministry issued here on Wednesday has said.
"The Ministry of Health wishes to update the general public regarding the Ebola situation in the country. The new report as of Dec. 12, 2007 reveals that the cumulative total is 120 cases and 32 deaths," the release said.
The release said 28 Ebola cases are currently admitted in Kikyo Health Center and in Bundibugyo Hospital, in western Uganda's Bundibugyo district.
It said the second lot of alert cases from the districts of Kabarole, Mubende and Kampala were analyzed yielding negative results.
The ministry urged the public to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings especially in the districts around Bundibugyo.
The Ugandan government last week declined to declare a state of emergency over the epidemic, arguing that it has put up a mechanism to contain the disease
The government had endorsed a 6 billion shillings (3.5 million U.S. dollars) budget to contain the epidemic.
This is the second Ebola outbreak in Uganda, which is caused by a new strain of the virus seemingly milder than the other four known strains. The last outbreak in Uganda killed 224 people from October 2000 to March 2001, which started in northern Uganda and later spread to other parts of the country.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/SSHN-79TK2F?OpenDocument

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Ebola: 30 killed in Uganda
(ANSA) - KAMPALA, 12 DIC - is increased to 30 the number of victims caused the epidemic of Ebola in Western, 116 are cases of infection. Official sources have also denied that the outbreak has been extended to other provinces, voice in recent days had spread insistently. In fact, Kenya, which is located to the east of Uganda, has implemented special precautionary health measures in the border.:tiphat: http://news.excite.it/estero/494831

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Uganda: Kibaale Markets Closed Over Ebola

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The Monitor (Kampala)
12 December 2007
Posted to the web 12 December 2007
Francis Mugerwa
Kibaale
Authorities in Kibaale District have closed markets, bordering Bundibugyo District as one of the ways to prevent the spread of Ebola.
This was disclosed by the district chairperson Mr George William Namyaka while addressing journalists in Kagadi town on Monday.
"As one of the ways of preventing the spread of the deadly hemorrhagic fever, we have resolved to close markets that are near Lake Albert and the neighbouring Bundibugyo District" Mr Namyaka said.
The decision to for shut down the markets came a day after the district recorded an Ebola suspected patient at Kagadi Hospital.
Mr Jackson Mpomboijo, an SPC attached to Isunga Police Station, was admitted in a critical condition at the health facility with symptoms similar to those of Ebola.
He was bleeding through his eyes, ears, he had high fever, a skin rash and was vomiting.
Medical workers at the hospital extracted blood samples from him and sent them to the virus institute, Entebbe for examination.
Mr Namyaka said the resolution to close the markets was reached after consultations between security officials, medical experts and politicians.
He identified the affected markets as Rwebigongoro, Mpeefu, Ndaiga, Nyamasoga, Kamagaali and Kyaterekera.
As one of the recommendations by medics to control the spread of the deadly disease, people are advised to avoid crowded places and body to body contact.
The lucrative markets attract traders from the districts of Kamwenge, Kasese, Bundibugyo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Mr Namyaka said the district will compensate the owners of the affected markets.
"They are welcome for negotiations" he said.
The District Director of Health Services, Dr Dan Kyamanywa, the Kibaale deputy RDC Ms Catherine Kamwine and district community liaison officer Mr Jonathan Kihika attended the news briefing.:tiphat: http://allafrica.com/stories/200712120790.html

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

CDC tries to limit Ebola outbreak in Uganda
Scientists at Atlanta HQ want to unlock strain's genetic code

By ALISON YOUNG
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/12/07
As the number of Ebola cases in Uganda continues to rise, scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have arrived from Atlanta to help contain the deadly virus.
The outbreak in the Bundibugyo District involves a newly identified strain of Ebola, an often-fatal virus that causes fever and bleeding. There is no treatment for Ebola, which kills 50 to 80 percent of people infected with it.
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CDC

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</TD></TR><TR><TD class=caption>Clothing and other materials that come into contact with patient body fluids must be disinfected.
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Dr. Thomas Ksiazek, chief of CDC's Special Pathogens Branch, said this week that it's still very early in the outbreak investigation and accurate numbers are difficult to come by. "What's important is trying to get surveillance systems in place," he said.
The current outbreak involves 116 cases, including 30 deaths. Several health care workers are among those who have died.
CDC scientists have converted an avian influenza lab inside the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe to help run diagnostic tests to determine whether illnesses are actually being caused by the Ebola virus.
"One of the implications of an Ebola outbreak occurring is people become hesitant to handle samples or patients that might be Ebola patients," Ksiazek said. The CDC lab assistance will help to rule out Ebola in some cases, allowing those patients easier access to health care, he said.
Ebola isolation wards have been established in the remote areas of western Uganda, where the outbreak is occurring. One is in Bundibugyo and the other in the even more remote town of Kikyo.
"It's a challenging area logistically," said Ksiazek.
A group of CDC disease detectives has been in Bundibugyo since Dec. 5, working with Ugandan health officials, the World Health Organization and nonprofit medical relief organizations.
Back at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, scientists are working to crack the genetic makeup of the new strain of Ebola virus that's causing the outbreak. Ksiazek said too little is known yet to say whether this new strain is more or less deadly than others.
The Ebola virus, named after a river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was first recognized in 1976. The disease appears sporadically, infecting and killing humans, gorillas, monkeys and chimpanzees:tiphat: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/12/12/ebola_1213.html

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Uganda: Museveni Orders Probe Into Ebola Origin

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The Monitor (Kampala)
13 December 2007
Posted to the web 12 December 2007
Tabu Butagira, Hussein Bogere & Joseph Mugisha
Bundibugyo/Kampala
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has ordered an immediate investigation into the original source of the Ebola epidemic that has so far killed 32 people, mainly in Bundibugyo District.
The directive, which was disclosed by Mr Samuel Kazinga, the Bundibugyo RDCon Tuesday, follows conflicting reports that the first persons to contract the haemorrhagic fever in Kikyo ate a monkey and not a dead goat as had earlier been reported by medical investigators.
"Following the directive from His Excellency (President Museveni), I have now instituted a four-man committee of intelligence and medical personnel to find out where the epidemic came from," Mr Kazinga told Health Minister Stephen Malinga, who was on a fact-finding visit to the district.
He said the committee is headed by the District Internal Security Officer, Mr Moses Tumwebaze and comprises Dr Nicholas Sseko, Dr Pierre and Mr Moses Kafeero, the district police commander.
The President last week warned Ugandans against consuming monkey meat and shaking hands while greeting.
Epidemiological experts are still baffled by the actual host of the virus that causes Ebola but scientific inquiries since 1976, the first time the lethal subtypes of Ebola Sudan and Ebola Zaire were discovered, have concluded that monkeys could be agents that transmit the virulent disease.
The cell phone of the president's press secretary, Tamale Mirundi was switched off at the time Daily Monitor tried to reach him.
In an update issued yesterday, the Director General of Health Services, Dr Sam Zaramba, said the total Ebola infections registered at both Kikyo health centre IV and Bundibugyo government hospital had risen to 120.
"Twelve people are currently admitted in Kikyo Health Centre and 16 in Bundibugyo Hospital (and) one patient who was admitted in Bundibugyo Hospital, has been discharged in good condition," Dr Zaramba said.
But Congolese authorities momentarily closed their border post at Mpondwe on Tuesday, leaving many Ugandan traders headed to Lhubirihi market inside the DRC stranded.
But some security officials in Kasese District said some Ugandan traders who offered a Sh5, 000 bribe to Congolese soldiers were allowed into Congo.
The border customs point, which was shut over fears that Ugandans from the Ebola-affected districts could spread it into the DR Congo was, however later re-opened following a high level crisis meeting between government officials on both sides.
In Mbarara District, officials of Bishop Stuart University have banned about 50 undergraduate students drawn from Kasesese, Kabarole, Kamwenge and Bundibugyo districts from resuming their December 2007-January 2008 Recess studies over fears that they could infect the whole school community of over 2,000 students.
"We [University Management] looked at the present situation of Ebola in that region and looked at the number of students at the campus.
"Those students (from the four districts) can carry Ebola, infect these students and create a very big problem, we have therefore stopped them from coming," the University Academic registrar, Mr Alfred Bangirana said yesterday.
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He said the affected students would be compensated in due course when the epidemic finally subsides.
Even when government officials are sounding optimistic that the deadly infection is steadly being brought under control, the Ministry of Health nevertheless warns the public "to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings especially in the districts around Bundibugyo (such as) Kabarole, Kasese, Hoima, Kibaale, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Ibanda, Bushenyi and Mbarara.:tiphat: http://allafrica.com/stories/200712121257.html

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Uganda: Infected Doctor Pleads for Care to Ebola Patients

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The Monitor (Kampala)
13 December 2007
Posted to the web 12 December 2007
Tabu Butagira & Joseph Mugisa
Bundibugyo
THE Bundibugyo Hospital medical superintendent who was discharged from the Ebola Isolation treatment Centre on Monday, has asked the government to improve the working conditions and safety of health workers, especially when managing communicable diseases.
Dr Stephen Ssesanga, who was speaking to journalists at his home, about 200metres from Bundibugyo district hospital, said he contracted the deadly haemorrhagic fever inadvertently while treating patients before the then "strange illness" was diagnosed in late November to be Ebola.
"(Ebola infection) experience is not the best, I am still weak and having muscle pains but I am regaining my appetite now," Dr Ssesanga sounding optimistic said.
He is the most high profile survivor of the Ebola epidemic in Bundibugyo that has ravaged five of the 10 sub counties in the frontier district.
Since the current Ebola epidemic began three months ago, it has killed 30 people out of 116 infected persons,:magnify: Dr Zabuloni 'Yoti of the World Health Organisation said while briefing Health Minister Stephen Mallinga at the district headquarters on Tuesday.
He said five health workers, including late Jonah Kule, then in charge of Kikyo Health Centre IV have so far succumbed to the virulent disease while seven others who got infected while handling in-patients were either steadily recuperating at the Isolation ward or had been discharged.
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"Some of us (medics) got infected while treating patients or attending funerals of Ebola victims," Dr Ssesanga said adding, "There should be no laxity and we need to take precautionary measures for all health workers".
Asked how he would advise colleagues battling the infectious disease, Dr Ssesanga said:
"I think we (health workers) have to stand by our oath and be compassionate about humanity". Minister Mallinga said Uganda was predisposed for a major health crisis if the growing exodus of Ugandan medics for better paying jobs outside the country is not immediately addressed.:tiphat: http://allafrica.com/stories/200712121265.html

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Uganda: Tourists Abandon Western Region Due to Ebola:applause:

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The Monitor (Kampala)
13 December 2007
Posted to the web 12 December 2007
Robert Muhereza
Kabale
TOUR company operators in Western Uganda have run out of business after tourists from Europe and America canceled their tour into Uganda due to the Ebola outbreak in the country.
The director of Kazinga Tours, Mr Felix Musinguzi, on Tuesday, told the press in Kabale town that immediately after Ebola cases were published in the national newspapers, all of the American tourists who had booked with his company canceled the trip.
"They told me that they will think of coming to Uganda until the country is declared Ebola free. All the company tour vehicles and the tour guides are now jobless," Mr Musinguzi said.
He said his company has been transporting over 30 tourists especially from America and Germany every week to different national parks.
The director of Bunyonyi land resort located, Mr Ivan Mbabazi Batuma said the Ebola outbreak has scared most of the tourists that have been booking for accommodation and camping.:tiphat: http://allafrica.com/stories/200712121079.html

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Tanzania: Ministry of Health Issues Alert on Ebola

Text of unattributed report entitled "Health ministry issues alert on ebola" published by Tanzanian newspaper The Guardian website on 12 December
The government has called on people living in border regions to take precautions in the face of a possible outbreak of ebola, which has so far killed 23 people and hit 101 others in Uganda.
Wilson Mukama, permanent secretary in the health and social welfare ministry, said in a press statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday that people living in villages bordering Uganda were at great risk of contracting the killer disease.
He said ebola has no known cure and the ministry has therefore taken a number of preventive measures, including dispatching medical teams to regions at greatest risks of being hit. These are Kagera, Mara and Mwanza.
"The experts will monitor suspicious cases and examine patients with symptoms similar to those of ebola to find out whether they are safe," he pointed out.
Mukama said the experts would also provide training to health personnel at all district and regional hospitals on how to handle the disease.
This would include case management, infection prevention and control, and intensifying surveillance.
The government has already prepared flyers for immediate distribution throughout the country to enable the people know about the disease, he added.
However, he explained that no single ebola case has been reported in Tanzania.
Ebola symptoms include fever, muscular pain and headache, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rashes.
In some cases it causes liver failure and skin bleeding, the symptoms identifiable within two to 21 days after infection.
The disease was first reported in Uganda at the end of last month and among the 23 killed are nurses and doctors.
A total of 12 other doctors are understood to be still down with the disease. :tiphat: http://www.redorbit.com/news/health...ues_alert_on_ebola/index.html?source=r_health

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Ebola Death Toll At 30, 116 Infected

The highly infectious ebola toll has risen from 29 to 30 while the infected peoplehave risen from 115 to 116, 12 of them health workers. The Ministry of Health wishes to update the general public regarding the ebola situation in the country. The new report as of 11th December 2007 reveals that the cumulative total is 116 cases and 30 fatalities.:tiphat: http://www.redpepper.ug/news.php?item=1604

sharon sanders · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

I am leaving the death toll on the ticker tape at 32 since the "mysterious disease" death toll is mostly not included in the government totals for ebola.

Treyfish · Dec 12, 2007

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Re: Ebola in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width=480 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=headline1 colSpan=2>Museveni speaks to Ebola survivor</TD></TR><TR><TD>Wednesday, 12th December, 2007</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday talked to Dr. Steven Kaddu Sessanga, the medical superintendent of Bundibugyo, who recently survived the Ebola attack and congratulated him on his recovery.

In the morning phone call, Dr Sessanga gave details of the nature of the Ebola attack on its victims.

Museveni, while regretting the deaths that recently occurred, was pleased to get confirmation that some victims can defeat the terrible disease and urged the public not to lose hope.

He was optimistic that the disease would totally be eliminated if the public complied with the Ministry of Health issued guidelines.

The President also spoke to Dan Kazinga, RDC Bundibugyo who informed him that some five people who had been attacked by Ebola had recovered and had now been discharged from hospital. The Ebola death toll climbed to 32 yesterday, up from 30 the previous day, the Ministry of Health said.

The number of the infected also rose to 120 from 116 cases, the ministry said in a statement. It added that 16 people had been admitted to Bundibugyo Hospital and 12 were in Kikyo health centre. One patient was discharged from Bundibugyo Hospital. The ministry earlier said Ebola was only confirmed in Bundibugyo.

It said tests had ruled out Ebola in Kabarole, Mubende and Kampala. But it warned the public to avoid unnecessary movement and gatherings, especially in Kabarole, Kasese, Hoima, Kibaale, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Ibanda, Bushenyi and Mbarara, which are close to Bundibugyo.

It also asked all district health officers to be on the alert and immediately report suspected cases. The statement said a person who has Ebola presents very high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, red eyes and a rash. The disease is spread by close contact with body fluids of infected persons or people who have died of Ebola. ?Anybody handling suspected cases must use appropriate protective wear,? the ministry added.

Fort Portal health authorities said one of the patients admitted to Buhinga Hospital with a high fever, a sore throat and diarrhoea died on Tuesday. Test results from her blood samples are expected today.

According to the authorities, another suspect escaped from Buhinga Hospital on Monday, but she was traced to Mugusu and returned to the hospital.
Results from her blood sample are also expected today. The Centres for Disease Control experts were in Kabarole yesterday to sensitise health workers.

Meanwhile, Ugandan traders were stranded at the Mpondwe customs post in Kasese after the DR Congo closed the border over the Ebola scare.

A few Ugandans were allowed in after paying a ?fee?, Ndungu, the special branch officer at the border, said. An emergency meeting was convened between the two sides and the border was later opened, Ndungu said.

The Rwenzori Diocese in Kabarole held special prayers for the Ebola victims on Monday at the St. John?s Cathedral in Fort-Portal. :tiphat:

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/601813

Ebola in Uganda: November 30 - December 17, 2007

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